Choose Thinking: A Blog by Dan Gilbert

Our Quicken Loans family celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. For a quarter century, Quicken Loans has helped more than one million American families in all 50 states realize the dream of homeownership.

In the past quarter century, I have made my share of mistakes and have learned a few things along the way as well.

At a recent all company “huddle,” I gave a 29 minute talk to more than 4,000 of our team members in downtown Detroit, where I presented, “25 things I’ve learned in 25 years.”

For better or for worse, here they are.

Hope you enjoy them…

-Dan G.

#25

Comic Sans…

If you don’t like it, then don’t frickin’ read it.

#24

Throw a curveball once in a while and your fastball will work WAYYY better.

#1

I hope my email finds you in the best of spirit, mind and health.
From my spirit to yours–THANKS

The Cavaliers are going through your (#5) I’m with you and all that BELIEVE and hope you know that!
I know it is not just a Dream to you, I can see and know your WORK to make things happen–Casinos, Quicken Loans, Fathead and others including the CAVALIERS–Thanks once again and my Best to Coach Byron Scott , the Cavs Team and the CAVS Organization/FAMILY.

I especially like numbers 4, 7, 10, and 17. I wish I had read this post before publishing my book, Life Lessons: A Guide to Creating and Living Your Best Life, so I oculd’ve included a couple of them as quotes.

I’ll definitely post a couple of these nuggets on my blog, though (with full attribution, of course).

Thanks for believing in Detroit, and for putting money (and jobs) where your mouth is. The City is better because of your commitment.

Thanks for sharing what you have learned. I really appreciate #13 – “If your ideas are any good,you’re gonna have to shove them down people’s throats.” It reminds me that if you don’t let people know who you are and what you’re about then it could be the best kept secret. Marketing works on all levels of life, not just sales.

I am an avid fan of Dan Gilbert’s insightful postings and enjoy seeing his progressive efforts in Detroit and Cleveland. Keep it up!

Just like to expand on his Number 14 – Things Needed to Survive: Don’t forget about money. The need for money is not greed. The need for money to obtain food, shelter, water, education, health, protection is fundamental to survival. Money is essentially the energy we need to operate our lives, nothing more nothing less. We all must know how to control and understand our money if we are to survive with minimal suffering (which is why all business use accountants, no money = no business).

The need of “Technology” for survival. Darwin said the single most important factor for the survival of any creature is not the smartest or the most intelligent or the strongest. Its the ability to adapt to change. Remember technology is not always better. “New” is not always Better”, “Fast & Easy” is not always “Smarter”. My favorite tool is still a yellow pencil with the eraser on top. We can’t forget to plug in our brains in the morning. That being said, technology is the key driver for most changes happening in the world today so you better understand technology (the good and the bad) or else.